Stephenson is doing what Taranto did last year, what Oliver did the year before him, Cockatoo the year before that, Bontempelli the year before that, O'Rourke the year before that, Sidebottom in 2008, etc etc.
Great performances late in the year which push them up the order. The difference this year is that we have a pick that's so high that we're still guaranteed to get a great young player.
There's a huge chance that it will be one of Dow, Rayner, Davies-Uniacke or Stephenson. All of those fit a need for us. All of those look like they'll be successful AFL footballers. All of them look like they wouldn't be out of place having their names called at #1.
If it's Stephenson, we have arguably the most talented footballer in the draft, with upside to burn, lightning pace and outside ability. I think he'll be the best footballer from the draft and if he is there at 4, then we would be stupid not to pick him.
If it's Rayner, we have who was the consensus #1 pick up until about a month ago. Dustin Martin clone. Big powerful footballer who only needs to build a tank to become a terrific AFL-level player.
If it's Dow, we have an inside-outside pure midfielder with speed and elusiveness, great hands and decision-making ability.
If it's Davies-Uniacke, we have a Bontempelli clone who will start in the backline and move his way to the midfield. Perfect height for a modern midfielder, decision-making elite. Will set up brilliantly from the backline and make us a better football team.
We can't really lose. No matter what happens we'll have a choice of one of those four, which is genuinely as close to a no-lose situation as you can get.